Mass damper for solar tracker

ABSTRACT

In an example, the system has a mechanical isolator comprising an elastic material configured to separate the panel rail from the torque tube cause destructive interference with a natural resonant frequency of the system without the mechanical isolator to reduce a mechanical vibration of the system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/979,368 filed May 14, 2018, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/011,070 filed Jan.29, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/734,981 filed Jun. 9, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,276,522 issued Mar.1, 2016, commonly assigned and incorporated by reference herein for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates generally to a tracking system for solarpanels. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention providea mass damper assembly for a plurality of solar modules configured for atracking system. In a specific embodiment, the mass damper assemblyaccording to the present invention is for selectively tuning a trackingsystem, among other aspects. There are other embodiments as well.

As the population of the world increases, industrial expansion has ledto an equally large consumption of energy. Energy often comes fromfossil fuels, including coal and oil, hydroelectric plants, nuclearsources, and others. As an example, the International Energy Agencyprojects further increases in oil consumption, with developing nationssuch as China and India accounting for most of the increase. Almostevery element of our daily lives depends, in part, on oil, which isbecoming increasingly scarce. As time further progresses, an era of“cheap” and plentiful oil is coming to an end. Accordingly, other andalternative sources of energy have been developed.

Concurrent with oil, we have also relied upon other very useful sourcesof energy such as hydroelectric, nuclear, and the like to provide ourelectricity needs. As an example, most of our conventional electricityrequirements for home and business use come from turbines run on coal orother forms of fossil fuel, nuclear power generation plants, andhydroelectric plants, as well as other forms of renewable energy. Oftentimes, home and business use of electrical power has been stable andwidespread.

Most importantly, much if not all of the useful energy found on theEarth comes from our sun. Generally all common plant life on the Earthachieves life using photosynthesis processes from sun light. Fossilfuels such as oil were also developed from biological materials derivedfrom energy associated with the sun. For human beings including “sunworshipers,” sunlight has been essential. For life on the planet Earth,the sun has been our most important energy source and fuel for modernday solar energy.

Solar energy possesses many characteristics that are very desirable!Solar energy is renewable, clean, abundant, and often widespread.Certain technologies have been developed to capture solar energy,concentrate it, store it, and convert it into other useful forms ofenergy.

Solar panels have been developed to convert sunlight into energy. As anexample, solar thermal panels often convert electromagnetic radiationfrom the sun into thermal energy for heating homes, running certainindustrial processes, or driving high grade turbines to generateelectricity. As another example, solar photovoltaic panels convertsunlight directly into electricity for a variety of applications. Solarpanels are generally composed of an array of solar cells, which areinterconnected to each other. The cells are often arranged in seriesand/or parallel groups of cells in series. Accordingly, solar panelshave great potential to benefit our nation, security, and human users.They can even diversify our energy requirements and reduce the world'sdependence on oil and other potentially detrimental sources of energy.

Although solar panels have been used successfully for certainapplications, there are still limitations. Often, solar panels areunable to convert energy at their full potential due to the fact thatthe sun is often at an angle that is not optimum for the solar cells toreceive solar energy. In the past, various types of conventional solartracking mechanisms have been developed. Unfortunately, conventionalsolar tracking techniques are often inadequate. These and otherlimitations are described throughout the present specification, and maybe described in more detail below.

From the above, it is seen that techniques for improving solar systemsare highly desirable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates generally to a tracking system for solarpanels. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention providea mass damper assembly for a plurality of solar modules configured for atracking system. In a specific embodiment, the mass damper assemblyaccording to the present invention is for selectively tuning a trackingsystem, among other aspects. There are other embodiments as well.

In an example, the present invention provides a solar tracker system.The solar tracker system has a first pillar structure and a secondpillar structure. In an example, the system has a torque tube configuredbetween the first pillar structure and the second pillar structure and aplurality of solar modules configured spatially along the torque tubefrom a first end to a second end.

In an example, the system has a panel rail configured to support each ofthe plurality of solar modules. That is, the system has a plurality ofpanel rail devices coupling respective plurality of solar modules.

In an example, the system has a clamp device coupled to sandwich thetorque tube between a lower portion of the clamp device and each panelrail. In an example, the clamp device is a U-bolt that has a lowerregion coupled to the lower region of the torque tube, and each of thebolt structures is inserted into an opening in the panel rail. The panelrail is disposed underlying a pair of solar modules and is configured tohold the pair of solar modules, while being clamped onto the torque tubeusing the U-bolt and a pair of bolts securing the panel rail to thetorque tube.

In an example, the system has a mechanical isolator comprising anelastic material configured to separate the panel rail from the torquetube and cause destructive interference with a natural resonantfrequency of the system without the mechanical isolator to reduce amechanical vibration of the system. In an example, the elastic materialcomprises a rubber or a polymer that has sufficient rigidity. In anexample, the material can also be configured with one or more openingsto further allow the thickness of material to flex and/or absorbvibration. Further details of the system can be found throughout thepresent specification and more particularly below.

Various additional objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention can be more fully appreciated with reference to the detaileddescription and accompanying drawings that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram in perspective view of a mass damperstructure for a solar tracker system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the mass damper structure according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top-view or bottom view of the mass damper structureaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front-view or back view of the mass damper structureaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram of a perspective view of a solar trackersystem including a mass damper structure according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 is a more detailed view of reference letter A for the diagram ofFIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a more detailed view of reference letter B for the diagram ofFIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram of a front view of a solar tracker systemincluding a mass damper structure according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram of a side view of a solar tracker systemincluding a mass damper structure, and a plurality of modules, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a more detailed diagram of a side view of a solar trackersystem including a mass damper structure, and a plurality of modules,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a more detailed view of reference letter C for the diagram ofFIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a more detailed view of reference letter D for the diagram ofFIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a simplified diagram of a top view of a solar tracker systemincluding a mass damper structure between a pair of modules, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a more detailed view of reference letter E for the diagram ofFIG. 13 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a simplified diagram of a perspective top view of a solartracker system including a mass damper structure according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 16, 17, and 18 show experimental results using the present massdamper for a plurality of panel banks.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The present application relates generally to a tracking system for solarpanels. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention providea clamp assembly for a glass on glass solar module configured for atracking system. In a specific embodiment, a clamp assembly according tothe present invention is for a tracking system, among other aspects.There are other embodiments as well.

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram in perspective view of a mass damperstructure for a solar tracker system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown, the mass damper structure has a mechanicalisolator structure. In an example, the mechanical isolator comprises anelastic material configured to separate a panel rail from a torque tubeand cause destructive interference with a natural resonant frequency ofthe solar tracker system without the mechanical isolator. In an example,the mechanical isolator reduces a mechanical vibration of the solartracker system.

In an example, the mechanical isolator comprises a rubber like materialhaving a thickness. As shown, the mechanical isolator comprises athickness of material having one or more openings to make the mechanicalisolator more flexible in characteristics. Each of the openingstraverses through the thickness of the mechanical isolator. Each of theopenings is symmetrically and spatially disposed along a length of themechanical isolator. In an example, the mechanical isolator ischaracterized by a narrow region along a center of the length inrelationship to each edge region of the mechanical isolator (as will beshown). In an example, the mechanical isolator has a thickness of threeinches and less, and a width of two inches and less. In an example, thenatural resonant frequency ranges from 1 Hz to 10 Hz in a torsionalmode, and 1 Hz to 5 Hz in a bending mode. In an example, the mechanicalvibration leads to failure of the solar tracker system without themechanical isolator. In an example, the mechanical vibration is derivedfrom external wind subjected to the solar tracker system. Furtherdetails of the present structure can be found throughout the presentspecification and more particularly below.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the mass damper structure according to anembodiment of the present invention. As shown, the mechanical isolatorhas a constant height or thickness. Each of the edges defining theheight is substantially flat to be configured to either a surface of asolar module or a brim of a top-hat rail structure in an example. Eachof the ends has a pair of flanges for an adjustable spacer assemblyaccording to an example. Each of the flanges can be derived from anoverlying and an underlying strip of metal material or other rigidstructure, depending upon the embodiment. The flanges can be metal, suchas aluminum, steel, carbon hardened steel, a composite, or othersuitable material. Further details of the present structure can be foundthroughout the present specification and more particularly below.

FIG. 3 is a top-view or bottom view of the mass damper structureaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, each ofthe top or bottom structure is substantially flat, and has a constantwidth, and length in an example. Further details of the presentstructure can be found throughout the present specification and moreparticularly below.

FIG. 4 is a front-view or back view of the mass damper structureaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the massdamper structure includes a mechanical isolator. The mechanical isolatorhas an upper edge or flat and a lower edge or flat. In an example, thethickness of the mechanical isolator is narrower in a center region andflares out on each of the edges in a symmetric manner. Further detailsof the present structure can be found throughout the presentspecification and more particularly below.

In an example, the present invention provides a solar tracker system.The solar tracker system has a first pillar structure and a secondpillar structure. In an example, the system has a torque tube configuredbetween the first pillar structure and the second pillar structure and aplurality of solar modules configured spatially along the torque tubefrom a first end to a second end.

In an example, the system has a panel rail configured to support each ofthe plurality of solar modules. That is, the system has a plurality ofpanel rail devices coupling respective plurality of solar modules.

In an example, the system has a clamp device coupled to sandwich thetorque tube between a lower portion of the clamp device and each panelrail. In an example, the clamp device is a U-bolt that has a lowerregion coupled to the lower region of the torque tube, and each of thebolt structures is inserted into an opening in the panel rail. The panelrail is disposed underlying a pair of solar modules and is configured tohold the pair of solar modules, while being clamped onto the torque tubeusing the U-bolt and a pair of bolts securing the panel rail to thetorque tube.

In an example, the system has a mechanical isolator comprising anelastic material configured to separate the panel rail from the torquetube and cause destructive interference with a natural resonantfrequency of the system without the mechanical isolator to reduce amechanical vibration of the system. Further details of the system can befound throughout the present specification and more particularly below.

FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram of a perspective view of a bottom regionof a solar tracker system including a mass damper structure according toan embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the tracker has atorque tube. A plurality of panel rails is configured on the torque tubeusing a U-bolt clamp assembly. In an example, each panel rail isconfigured to a pair of solar modules, as shown, although there can bevariations. In an example, the system selectively disposes a mechanicalisolator on certain panel rails to tune the solar tracker system toprevent mechanical damage via wind damage to the solar tracker system.The system also shows reference letter A and reference letter B, whichare further described below.

FIG. 6 is a more detailed view of reference letter A for the diagram ofFIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In anexample, the panel rail comprises a top-hat structure. In an example,the top hat structure comprises a top region, which has a pair ofopenings for the clamp device. The clamp device is a U-bolt assembly,where a lower portion of the U-bolt couples to hold the torque tube,while the two bolts protrude through the pair of openings, and are eachconfigured with a fastener or bolt, which is secured in place. Ofcourse, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In an example, the top hat structure has a first side coupled to an edgeof a first solar module, and a second side coupled to the mechanicalisolator. In an example, the second side has a second brim region, whichextends normal and out from the second side. In an example, the secondbrim region physically connects to the mechanical isolator. In anexample, the second side characterized by a second side height and themechanical isolator having a thickness, the second side height and thethickness is substantially equal to a first side height characterizingthe first side. In an example, the mechanical isolator is coupled to anedge of a second solar module. As shown, each of the solar modules has amajor plane that is substantially coincidental from each other andparallel to each other. As also shown, the mechanical isolator has apair of flanges and has a spacer assembly provided between the pair offlanges. The spacer assembly is made of a compressible material, and hasa pair of fasteners on each side. As shown, one side of the spacerassembly and lower flange is clamped with the second brim region of thetop hat structure. In an example, the upper flange is coupled to a frameof a solar module. Of course, there can be other variations,modifications, and alternatives.

FIG. 7 is a more detailed view of reference letter B for the diagram ofFIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In anexample, an edge region of one of the solar module has a bumperstructure provided to reduce shock and or breakage from the movementbetween the pair of solar panels. The bumper structure is an elastic orcompressible thickness of material, which can absorb shock and/ormechanical movement and/or vibration in an example.

FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram of a front view of a solar tracker systemincluding a mass damper structure according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown, the solar tracker has a pillar with a clampdevice. The clamp device is configured to an end of the torque tube. AU-bolt assembly secures the panel rail to the torque tube in an example.The panel rail is provided to secure a pair of solar modules in anexample.

FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram of a side view of a solar tracker systemincluding a mass damper structure, and a plurality of modules, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the solar trackerhas a pillar with a clamp device. The clamp device is configured to anend of the torque tube. A U-bolt assembly secures the panel rail to thetorque tube in an example. The panel rail is provided to secure a pairof solar modules in an example. In an example, the solar tracker systemhas a mechanical isolator structure on selected solar modules, whileothers are not configured with a mechanical isolator. In an example, theuse of the mechanical isolator selectively tunes the solar system toprevent oscillation and mechanical vibration that can lead to breakageor constructive interference of a resonance frequency of the systemwithout the isolator, and then leading to oscillation and breakage ofthe system.

FIG. 10 is a more detailed diagram of a side view of a solar trackersystem including a mass damper structure, and a plurality of modules,according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the solartracker has a plurality of solar modules. In an example, a U-boltassembly secures the panel rail to the torque tube in an example. Thepanel rail is provided to secure a pair of solar modules in an example.In an example, the solar tracker system has a mechanical isolatorstructure on selected solar modules, while others are not configuredwith a mechanical isolator. In an example, the use of the mechanicalisolator selectively tunes the solar system to prevent oscillation andmechanical vibration that can lead to breakage or constructiveinterference of a resonance frequency of the system without theisolator, and then leading to oscillation and breakage of the system. Inan example, panel rail and module under reference letter C includes useof the mechanical isolator, while reference letter D does not includesuse of the panel rail. Of course, there can be other variations,alternatives, and modifications.

FIG. 11 is a more detailed view of reference letter C for the diagram ofFIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In anexample, the panel rail comprises a top-hat structure. In an example,the top hat structure comprises a top region, which has a pair ofopenings for the clamp device. The clamp device is a U-bolt assembly,where a lower portion of the U-bolt couples to hold the torque tube,while the two bolts protrude through the pair of openings, and are eachconfigured with a fastener or bolt, which is secured in place. Ofcourse, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In an example, the top hat structure has a first side coupled to an edgeof a first solar module, and a second side coupled to the mechanicalisolator. In an example, the second side has a second brim region, whichextends normal and out from the second side. In an example, the secondbrim region physically connects to the mechanical isolator. In anexample, the second side characterized by a second side height and themechanical isolator having a thickness, the second side height and thethickness is substantially equal to a first side height characterizingthe first side. In an example, the mechanical isolator is coupled to anedge of a second solar module. As shown, each of the solar modules has amajor plane that is substantially coincidental from each other andparallel to each other. As also shown, the mechanical isolator has apair of flanges, which has a spacer assembly provided between the pairof flanges. The spacer assembly is made of a compressible material, andhas a pair of fasteners on each side. As shown, one side of the spacerassembly and lower flange is clamped with the second brim region of thetop hat structure. In an example, the upper flange is coupled to a frameof a solar module. Of course, there can be other variations,modifications, and alternatives.

In an example, the system also has a polymeric or rubber bumperstructure configured on either the first solar module or second solarmodule and provided between the first solar module and the second solarmodule. In an example, the bumper structure softens or lessens an impactof each of the edges of the solar panels colliding with each otherduring a windstorm or other ambient condition. Of course, there can beother variations, modifications, and alternatives.

FIG. 12 is a more detailed view of reference letter D for the diagram ofFIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In anexample, the panel rail comprises a top-hat structure. In an example,the top hat structure comprises a top region, which has a pair ofopenings for the clamp device. The clamp device is a U-bolt assembly,where a lower portion of the U-bolt couples to hold the torque tube,while the two bolts protrude through the pair of openings, and are eachconfigured with a fastener or bolt, which is secured in place. Ofcourse, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In an example, the top hat structure has a first side coupled to an edgeof a first solar module, and a second side coupled to an edge of asecond solar module. In an example, the second side has a second brimregion, which extends normal and out from the second side. In anexample, the second brim region physically connects to the edge of thesecond solar module, which is not co-planar with the first solar module.In an example, the second side is characterized by a second side heightthat is less than a first side height characterizing the first side. Asshown, each of the solar modules has a major plane that is notcoincidental from each other but is parallel to each other. Of course,there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

FIG. 13 is a simplified diagram of a top view of a solar tracker systemincluding a mass damper structure between a pair of modules, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. A pair of solar modules isconfigured with a bumper in between to prevent breakage or reduce shockbetween the pair of modules. Further details of the bumper can be foundthroughout the present specification and more particularly below.

FIG. 14 is a more detailed view of reference letter E for the diagram ofFIG. 13 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In anexample, the system also has a polymeric or rubber bumper structureconfigured on either the first solar module or second solar module andprovided between the first solar module and the second solar module. Inan example, the bumper structure softens or lessens an impact of each ofthe edges of the solar panels colliding with each other during awindstorm or other ambient condition. Of course, there can be othervariations, modifications, and alternatives.

FIG. 15 is a simplified diagram of a perspective top view of a solartracker system including a mass damper structure according to anembodiment of the present invention. As shown, the diagram shows aplurality of solar modules, each of them being selectively tuned toprevent mechanical failure during a wind storm or other external eventthat leads to oscillation of the system that can lead to breakagewithout the mechanical isolator. Further details of other elements ofthe tracker system can be found throughout the present specification andmore particularly below.

As shown, the present invention provides a tracker apparatus for solarmodules. In an example, the solar modules can be a silicon based solarmodule, a polysilicon based solar module, a concentrated solar module,or a thin film solar module, including cadmium telluride (CdTe), copperindium gallium selenide (CuIn1-xGaxSe2 or CIGS), which is a directbandgap semiconductor useful for the manufacture of solar cells, amongothers. As shown, each of the solar panels can be arranged to form anarray. Of course, there can be other variations. In an example, thefirst pier and the second pier are provided on a sloped surface, anirregular surface, or a flat surface. The first pier and the second pierare two of a plurality of piers provided for the apparatus. In example,the apparatus has a solar module configured in a hanging position or asupporting position.

The tracker apparatus has a first pier comprising a first pivot deviceand a second pier comprising a drive mount. In an example, the firstpier is made of a solid or patterned metal structure, such as a widebeam flange or the like, as shown. In an example, each of the piers isinserted into the ground, and sealed, using cement or other attachmentmaterial. Each pier is provided in generally an upright position and inthe direction of gravity, although there can be variations. In anexample, each of the piers is spatially spaced along a region of theground, which may be flat or along a hillside or other structure,according to an embodiment. In an example, the first pillar comprises awide flange beam. In an example, the first pillar and the second pillarcan be off-set and reconfigurable.

In an example, the drive mount is capable for construction tolerances inat least three-axis, and is configured to a drive device. The drivedevice has an off-set clamp device coupled to a bearing device coupledto a clamp member.

In an example, the apparatus has a cylindrical torque tube operablydisposed on the first pier and the second pier. In an example, thecylindrical torque tube comprises a one to ten inch diameter pipe madeof Hollow Structure Steel (HSS) steel. The cylindrical torque tubecomprises a first end and a second end, and a notch. The notch is one ofa plurality of notches spatially disposed along a length of thecylindrical torque tube.

In an example, the apparatus has a clamp configured around an annularportion of the cylindrical torque tube and mate with the notch toprevent movement of the clamp. The clamp comprises a support regionconfigured to support a portion of a solar module. The clamp comprises apin configured with the notch. The apparatus also has a rail or clampassembly configured to the clamp. The rail or clamp assembly comprises athread region configured to hold a bolt, which is adapted to screw intothe thread and bottom out against a portion of cylindrical torque tubesuch that the clamp is desirably torqued against the cylindrical torquetube. The apparatus has a solar module attached to the rail or otherattachment device-shared module claim or other devices. The cylindricaltorque tube is one of a plurality of torque tubes configured in as acontinuous structure and extends in length for 80 to 200 meters. Eachpair of torque tubes is swage fitted together, and bolted for theconfiguration.

In an example, the apparatus also has a center of mass of along an axialdirection is matched with a pivot point of the drive device. The pivotpoint of the drive device is fixed in three dimensions while rotatingalong the center of mass. In an example, the off-set clamp comprises acrank device. In an example, the first pivot device comprises a pivotdevice configured a clamp device to secure the first end to thecylindrical torque tube. In other examples, the drive device comprises aslew gear. In other examples, the first pivot device can include othervariations. The apparatus also has an overrun device configured with thefirst pivot device. The overrun device comprises a mechanical stop toallow the cylindrical torque tube to rotate about a desired range.

In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a trackerapparatus for solar modules. The tracker apparatus has a first piercomprising a first pivot device and a second pier comprising a drivemount. The drive mount is capable for construction tolerances in atleast three-axis, and is configured to a drive device. The drive devicehas an off-set clamp device coupled to a cylindrical bearing devicecoupled to a clamp member. The apparatus has a cylindrical torque tubeoperably disposed on the first pier and the second pier. The cylindricaltorque tube comprises a first end and a second end, and a notch. Thenotch is one of a plurality of notches spatially disposed along a lengthof the cylindrical torque tube. The apparatus has a clamp configuredaround an annular portion of the cylindrical torque tube and mate withthe notch to prevent movement of the clamp. The clamp comprises asupport region configured to support a portion of a solar module.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides analternative solar tracker apparatus. The apparatus has a drive device, acrank coupled to the drive device and configured in an offset manner toa frame assembly. The frame assembly is coupled to a plurality of solarmodules.

In an example, the apparatus has a continuous torque tube spatiallydisposed from a first region to a second region. The crank comprises afirst crank coupled to a first side of the drive device and a secondcrank coupled to a second side of the drive device. The crank comprisesa first crank coupled to a first side of the drive device and a secondcrank coupled to a second side of the drive device; and furthercomprises a first torque tube coupled to the first crank and a secondtorque tube coupled to the second crank. The crank comprises a firstcrank coupled to a first side of the drive device and a second crankcoupled to a second side of the drive device; and further comprises afirst torque tube coupled to the first crank and a second torque tubecoupled to the second crank, and further comprises a first swage fittingcoupling the first crank to the first torque tube and a second swagefitting coupling the second crank to the second torque tube. Theapparatus also has a pier coupled to the drive device. In an example,the apparatus also has a drive mount coupled to a pier.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides analternative solar tracker apparatus. The apparatus has a center of masswith an adjustable hanger assembly configured with a clam shell clampassembly on the adjustable hanger assembly and a cylindrical torque tubecomprising a plurality of torque tubes configured together in acontinuous length from a first end to a second end such that the centerof mass is aligned with a center of rotation of the cylindrical torquetubes to reduce a load of a drive motor operably coupled to thecylindrical torque tube.

In an example, the drive motor is operable to move the torque tube aboutthe center of rotation and is substantially free from a load. The centerof rotation is offset from a center of the cylindrical torque tube.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides a solartracker apparatus. The apparatus has a clamp housing member configuredin a upright direction. The clamp housing member comprises a lowerregion and an upper region. The lower region is coupled to a pierstructure, and the upper region comprises a spherical bearing device.The upright direction is away from a direction of gravity. The apparatushas a clam shell clamp member coupled to the cylindrical bearing and atorque tube coupled to the spherical bearing to support the torque tubefrom the upper region of the clamp housing member. The torque tube isconfigured from an off-set position from a center region of rotation.

In an example, the apparatus is configured substantially free from anywelds during assembly. Reduced welding lowers cost, improvesinstallation time, avoids errors in installation, improvesmanufacturability, and reduces component count through standardizedparts. The torque tube is coupled to another torque tube via a swagedevice within a vicinity of the clam shall clamp member. In an example,the connection is low cost, and provides for strong axial and torsionalloading. The apparatus is quick to install with the pokey-yoke design.The torque tube is coupled to an elastomeric damper in line to dampentorque movement to be substantially free from formation of a harmonicwaveform along any portion of a plurality of solar panels configured tothe torque tube. The apparatus also has a locking damper or rigidstructure to configure a solar panel coupled to the torque tube in afixed tilt position to prevent damage to stopper and lock into afoundation-in a position that is substantially free from fluttering inan environment with high movement of air. The apparatus furthercomprises a controller apparatus configured in an inserter box providedin an underground region to protect the controller apparatus. Theapparatus has a drive device to linearly actuate the torque tube. In anexample, the apparatus uses an electrical connection coupled to a drivedevice. In an example, the spherical bearing allows for a constructiontolerance, tracker movement, and acts as a bonding path of leastresistance taking an electrical current to ground. The apparatus can beone of a plurality of tracker apparatus configured in an array within ageographic region. Each of the plurality of tracker apparatus is drivenindependently of each other to cause each row to stow independently at adifferent or similar angle.

Still further, the present invention provides a tracker apparatuscomprising a clam shell apparatus, which has a first member operablycoupled to a second member to hold a torque tube in place.

In an example, the apparatus also has a clamp housing operably coupledto the clam shell apparatus via a spherical bearing device such that thespherical bearing comprises an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation isdifferent from a center of the torque tube. The apparatus furthercomprises a solar module coupled to the torque tube.

In an example, the invention provides a tracker apparatus comprising aplurality of torque tubes comprising a first torque tube coupled to asecond torque tube coupled to an Nth torque tube, whereupon N is aninteger greater than 2. Each pair of torque tubes is coupled to eachother free from any welds.

In an example, each pair of torque tubes is swaged fitted together. Eachof the torque tubes is cylindrical in shape. Each of the plurality oftorque tubes is characterized by a length greater than 80 meters. Eachof the torque tubes comprises a plurality of notches. In an example, theapparatus also has a plurality of U-bolt devices coupled respectively tothe plurality of notches. Each of the plurality of torque tubes are madeof steel.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides a trackerapparatus having a pier member comprising a lower region and an upperregion. A clamp holding member is configured to the upper region and iscapable of moving in at least a first direction, a second directionopposite to the first direction, a third direction normal to the firstdirection and the second direction, a fourth direction opposite of thethird direction, a fifth direction normal to the first direction, thesecond direction, the third direction, and the fourth direction, and asixth direction opposite of the fifth direction.

In yet an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides a solartracker apparatus. The apparatus has a clamp housing member configuredin a upright direction. The clamp housing member comprises a lowerregion and an upper region. The lower region is coupled to a pierstructure. The upper region comprises a spherical bearing device. Theupright direction is away from a direction of gravity. The apparatus hasa clam shell clamp member coupled to the cylindrical bearing and theclam shell clamp being suspended from the cylindrical bearing. In anexample, the apparatus has a torque tube comprising a first end and asecond end. The first end is coupled to the spherical bearing to supportthe torque tube from the upper region of the clamp housing member. Thetorque tube is configured from an off-set position from a center regionof rotation. The apparatus has a drive device coupled to the second endsuch that the drive device and the torque tube are configured to besubstantially free from a twisting action while under a load, e.g.,rotation, wind, other internal or external forces. Further details of atracker system can be found in co-pending applications listed asHORIZONTAL BALANCED SOLAR TRACKER by Alexander W. Au, and underPCT/US13/73948, Dec. 9, 2013 and OFF-SET DRIVE ASSEMBLY FOR SOLARTRACKER by Alexander W. Au, and under U.S. Ser. No. 14/489,409 filedSep. 17, 2014, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety for all purposes.

Also, in an example, elements in the solar tracker can be made of asuitable material such as carbon-hardened steel, among others.Additionally, the term “mass damper” used herein, includes an isolator,that is configured between the torque tube and solar panel to absorbmechanical vibration and also cause destructive interface of any naturalresonance in the solar tracker structure when exposed to wind or otherambient conditions. Of course, there can be other variations,modifications, and alternatives to the materials, as well as the use ofthe mass damper term.

Example

To prove the above examples, we performed simulations of the presenttracker system. The tracker system had a plurality of banks on a lefthand side of a drive gear, and a plurality of banks on a right hand sideof the drive gear. Each of the banks has a plurality of solar panelsspatially disposed between a pair of pillar structures. In an example,the left bank has five banks, and each of the banks has at least eightsets of solar panels. Number from the drive gear on the left side, thebanks included 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. A panel isolator or mass damper wasadded between the panel and torque tube on a center panel in banks 1, 3,and 5. Experiments were performed to illustrate results in FIGS. 16, 17,and 18. As shown, experimental results for movement or frequencyresponse were provided at locations of panel banks 1, 3, and 5. Asshown, the use of the panel isolator or mass damper, according to thepresent example, showed superior results, as compared with no damping ora linear panel damper. Of course, there can be other variations,modifications, and alternatives.

It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein arefor illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changesin light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and areto be included within the spirit and purview of this application andscope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating a solar tracker system, comprising: providing the system comprising: a first pillar structure and a second pillar structure; a torque tube configured between the first pillar structure and the second pillar structure; a plurality of solar modules configured spatially along the torque tube from a first end to a second end; a panel rail configured to support each of the plurality of solar modules; a clamp device coupled to sandwich the torque tube between a lower portion of the clamp device and each panel rail; a mass damper structure comprising a mechanical isolator comprising an elastic material configured to separate the panel rail from the torque tube; and; causing destructive interference, using the mechanical isolator, with a natural resonant frequency of the system without the mechanical isolator to reduce a mechanical vibration of the system. 